Rustic Balsamic Garlic Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   Place a large saute pan (use one with a lidyoull need the lid in a few moments) on medium-high heat and add 2/3 of the olive oil (or half each of olive oil and butter).
2. 2
   Swirl it around.
3. 3
   Add chicken breasts and then reduce heat to medium.
4. 4
   Sprinkle chicken with half of the listed amounts of salt and pepper.
5. 5
   Close lid and cook for 4 minutes.
6. 6
   Flip chicken breasts and season the opposite side with remaining half of the salt and pepper, and the optional cayenne powder.
7. 7
   Add the remaining olive oil and close lid for another 4 minutes.
8. 8
   Then turn heat to medium-low, remove lid, and add the garlic.
9. 9
   Saute garlic for 30 seconds, just to get a touch of color and a bit of flavor.
10. 10
    Add tomatoes.
11. 11
    Add balsamic vinegar and water.
12. 12
    Cover and allow to simmer on medium heat until tomatoes are softened (about 5 minutes).
13. 13
    Add lemon juice.
14. 14
    If desired, add the butter right before serving to get a slight richness to the sauce.
15. 15
    Serve over a bed of spinach and top with the balsamic-lemon sauce.